Looking Back on the May 2nd Chapter Meeting and Sing with Alfred Street Choir on April 26th

Last week on Wed, April 26th, Harmonizers gathered with the men’s choir from Alfred Street Baptist Church in Old Town Alexandria for a sing and social nite.  The meeting was at Convergence on Quaker Lane.  Their choir warmed up in the sanctuary and we warmed up in a classroom. 

We sang first - “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Summertime” and one of our new spirituals, “There Must Be a City.”  Joe did the warm ups and directed. Then the choir sang with Melvin Bryant directing.  Their church music program director Joyce Garrett accompanied them.

After that we all sat together and Melvin taught us “Down By the Riverside” and Joe taught the combined group “Rock My Soul.”  This will yield a combined performance at the Alexandria GospelFest next month.

After lots of singing, we shared lemonade and a cake with “Singing Together” decoration. It was a fun evening for all.

Then on Tuesday May 2^nd, it was back to hard work on our music at Durant.  Director Joe Cerutti did the warm ups using “The Star Spangled Banner” as our exercise – since we will be singing it for the Armed Forces Day event soon. We also worked on “Armed Forces Medley” for that event.

Then we embarked on contest preparation for the Southern Division which is coming up during the weekend May 26-27. Joe invited assistant director Chuck Hunter to coach the package.  It was a great session and we got some solid work time in on the songs – especially to help the many new members perform these Harmonizer standbys.

At the start of the chapter meeting session, Joe explained that we would be participating in a workshop next week about “inclusion” as part of our growth and development as a chapter.  Dr. Sheila Peters from Nashville TN will be the facilitator for the session.

Executive director Terry Reynolds began the important announcements:

The chapter is co-sponsor of Alexandria’s GospelFest which will be at Durant on the weekend of May 19-20.  We will sing on the Sat session from 11-1. The FAIRFIELD FOUR will be our guests and appear both on Fri and Sat.

Later on Sat afternoon, the chapter will have our Armed Forces Tribute event also at Durant from 3-4.

As a reminder, the chorus will be singing at the Southern Division contest on Sat. May 27^th.  The chapter must qualify to go to the district contest in the fall.  The division contest is in Reston.  Another reminder – each man must be paid up on his dues, and must have a contest registration/ticket. They are $42 each and can be purchased on site or in advance on the district website – midatlanticdistrict.com. Hope many of the members will go on Friday nite to cheer for the seven quartets with Harmonizers singing in them. That contest session starts at 5 pm.

For those going to Harmony U in August, you need to reply to a survey request from conventions coordinator Craig Kujawa as to your travel plans to Nashville.

There is also an opportunity for members to help Craig plan and manage our chapter’s duties in hosting the fall contest in Reading PA. Speak with him if you can help.

President Randall Eliason presented a President’s Valor Award to Clyde Crusenberry for his successful work in getting together a theater party at Little Theater of Alexandria for the chapter.  Everyone had fun and we even sang for other show patrons.

Randall reported that Bob Ulibarri was having some heart issues and in the hospital.  More details to come.

The communications committee has produced a new chapter business card that members can carry with them for prospective members or gigs

The chapter has arranged with Vickie Dennis to provide private vocal instruction sessions on Tuesday nites during chapter meeting between 7:30-9 pm. There is a small fee.  

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card and lapel pin to Paul Grimes in recognition of his 30 years.

A task force met with operations chairman Mike Edison regarding replacing the Harmo truck during the break.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the April 25^th Chapter Meeting and Community Sing on April 19th

Last week on Wed, April 19th, over 70 Harmonizers and some family members joined in the fun community sing hosted in SE Washington DC by Dr. Ysaye Barnwell.  What fun.  Harmonizer Dave Branstetter reported the event this way: “The Community Sing was different – no written music, no precisely defined harmonies, no judges, and frankly no audience (we were ALL chorus and audience at the same time!). Taking those components out of the equation reminded us of something we might otherwise lose sight of – the pure, simple, unadulterated joy that comes from JUST SINGING! People of different backgrounds and different abilities coming together to experience the simple joy that comes from singing together.”

The Harmonizers wore their black camp shirt outfits and at the invitation of Dr. Barnwell, sang “Rock My Soul” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Joe was pleased and spoke briefly to the other 100 or so singers present explaining our current work project with the spiritual music.

This week’s meeting on April 25^th  was a repeat of last week’s format – warm up, sitting in chairs around the keyboard with Joe working on new music.  We concentrated on the melody for “I Was There” and polished on “Roll Jordon Roll” and we worked hard on our “Chicago” medley.

Tag time at 6:50 pm was taught by Mike Kelly.  Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Dean Sherick for five years and Alan Kousen for 51 years!

The chapter guys had fun talking to Dick Hall when many of them called him on his 85^th birthday on Saturday.  It was a small token of thanks for his having called every member on his birthday for many, many years.

Joe also reported the news Bob Austin died unexpectedly on Monday.  He was a former baritone in the chapter and in several important chapter quartets such as CAPITOL CHORD AUTHORITY and the original COPYRIGHT ’86 with Bill Colosimo, Mike Wallen and Steve White. His wife and daughter sing with Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus.

Joe thanked all the workers and singers for a successful and high energy Youth Harmony Festival.

Joe was excited to remind the chorus of another community sign event Wednesday, April 26^th at Convergence. We will join the men’s choir from Alfred Street Baptist Church in Old Town Alexandria. Thanks to Dr. Joyce Garret for the invite. We will wear black camp shirt and jeans. Warm up at 6:30.

Saturday nite many members and family friends will attend the Little Theater of Alexandria performance of “The Fabulous Lipitones” as a group and organized by Clyde Crusenberry.

Here are other events on our calendar in the weeks ahead:

- Tues. May 9^th with Dr. Sheila Peters working with us on an inclusion workshop.

- Southern Division contest for quartets and choruses will be May 26-27 in Reston. Our chorus will compete Saturday afternoon.  YeEd hears that several quartets are working to enter too.

- We will co-sponsor a Gospel Fest at Durant on May 19-20.

- And in middle of that event, we will have our Armed Forces Day salute show at 3 pm on Saturday.

- June 7 we will sing at Casey Belzer’s school where he is music teacher – George Washington Middle in Alexandria. About 7 pm as part of a fund raiser event.

Operations team directors met at Durant after our meeting ended this week. Executive director Terry Reynolds encouraged each many to carefully read Craig Kujawa’s newsletter about travel to Harmony U.  Make plans and respond as needed.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the April 22^nd Youth Harmony Festival

This was the chapter’s 9^th festival and we providing singing opportunity for about 50 students – 20  men and 30 women. The all-day event was at Durant beginning at 8:30 am.  There were students from seven schools.

Chapter director education Vickie Dennis was organizer for this year’s festival.  Joe Cerutti was dean of the school and brought opening remarks and welcome to the students, other faculty, guest quartets and school music educators. Tony Colosimo was clinician for the men and Hailey Parks was clinician for the women.  Two guest quartets came to help with the teaching, singing and working with the students: SIGNATURE from BHS coming up from FL (They have been in our area several times to help recruit students and music educators for this event and similar experiences); and CLASS RING from SAI coming from many states in this area including TN. Carlos Barillo was choreo instructor for the youth choruses.

Harmonizers helped with set up on Friday nite and many members brought in snacks, drinks, water, and dessert goodies for the students. On Saturday morning, more guys helped get things rolling, brought in ice to cool drinks, helped with registration, welcomed the students and other guests, and had the coffee on for early morning break. Members of the Vienna Falls SAI chorus also helped with morning set up and kick off.  Tony did the warm ups after the introductions and the two choruses worked on their songs for the Saturday nite show.

Just before dinner and after an exhausting day of hard work on music and choreo, the student’s energy level was getting low.  What better way to spark instant interest than a spontaneous judging event.  The student body was divided into three groups, each containing a mix of young men and women.  The music teachers attending became the judges and each group chose a name and decided what tag they had learned during the day to sing for the contest.  The three groups were vying for a guaranteed place at the front of the dinner buffet line. The competition was fierce for that prize.  After the announcement of the winning group, Joe had one more surprise to up keep up the interest level.  Each group had to meet one more time and decide three things they would do to improve their presentation and a spokesperson from each group reported the results to the audience.  After that, it was a race to get in line for the pizza feed at 6 pm.

During the dinner hour, Harmonizers began to trickle in, students gathered in the hallways to sing and go over choreo, and parents and guests arrived and got seated.  By 7 pm the hall was filled and buzzing.  Joe Cerutti was emcee for the evening’s show and welcomed the guests by describing the day’s events and the achievements the youth had made in the course of the day. 

Three guest quartets sang two songs apiece during the evening show: UP ALL NIGHT (1^st place, region 14 competition, SAI) from Vienna Falls chapter; CLASS RING (5^th. place SAI International); and SIGNATURE (4^th. place BHS International).  The quartet presentations were interspersed with the chorus performances.  The Harmonizers sang “Rock My Soul,” “Summertime,” and “All You Need Is Love.”

The youth women’s chorus and the youth men’s chorus each sang one song for the show. The wore their YHF tee shirts for the show. Before inviting the combined youth choruses to the stage to sing together for the finale, Joe acknowledged all of the people who made the event possible, especially Vicki Dennis, the Harmonizer director of education for all her work in organizing the event.

Harmonizers pitched in to clean up and put things away after the show.  (YeEd thanks Tom Berkey for taking notes for this report).

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the April 18^th Chapter Meeting

This week’s meeting was more casual than normal, since the music leadership wanted members to attend the community sing on Wednesday with Dr. Barnwell. Wear black camp shirts. Causual. Director Joe Cerutti encouraged guys to bring family, partners, friends to join in the fun. Dr. Barnwell's Community Sing is 7-9pm @ Levine School DC Campus THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington DC (close to Southern Ave. Metro).

So Tuesday nite we sat in chairs around the keyboard with Joe up front and we worked hard on our “Chicago” medley and spent a chunk of time learning the melody for one of our new contest ballads. For warm up, Joe taught us two new tags that were fun to sing.

There were two guests with us who had been to the Aca Challenge and came to hear and meet us again.  Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card and lapel pin to Brad Jones for his 25-years.

Education director Vicki Dennis reminded all guys about the needed items for the Youth Harmony Festival this weekend – especially snack packs, power bars, wrapped goodies and such. Volunteers will be setting up Friday nite at Durant and will be needed on Saturday.  The chorus will sing Saturday nite too – call time is 6 pm.  Wear black camp shirt, jeans, black shoes and sox. We will sing “All You Need is Love,” “Summertime,” and “Rock My Soul.”

President Randall Eliason reports that thanks to the very generous support provided by many Harmonizers and their families, the chapter recently received a check for $5,133 representing our Donor Choice proceeds for the six months ended last December. The Harmony Foundation offers a Donor Choice program for those who contribute to the Foundation. Donors have the option to designate up to 30 percent of their contributions to be returned to the chapter or district (or both) of their choice.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the April 5^th Spring2ACTion and April 11^th Chapter Meeting

Thanks to President Randall Eliason, the chapter earned nearly $19,000 as a participant in the Alexandria Spring2ACTion program on Wed. April 5^th.  Spring2ACTion is an all day-fundraising event for Alexandria nonprofits. We were one of the community’s arts group participants.  Our fans and supporters were able to donate all day. We won a “power hour” with the most donors from 3-4 pm.  That earned us a bonus of $500.

A representative chorus of us gathered at Virtue Feed and Grain in Old Town to sing for patrons there, and to have fun. Randall came early to put up great posters and signage, and to set up his lap top so it could project onto a screen with up-to-the-minute results of donations. Thanks to Noah Van Gilder who created the terrific signs and posters.

Mayor Allison Silberberg stopped to see us, spoke well about our group and then was guest conductor for “Sweet Caroline” outside after visiting inside.  Matthew Stensrud, chairman of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts was present and sang along with us too. Dan ABH, community coordinator, for Convergence stopped by to see us too.

Impromptu quartet with Rusty Orvik, Tony Colosimo, Chuck Hunter and Steve White sang a song or two.  Tony was our musical leader for this event and he had us sing several times out in the restaurant area (the chorus, their families and special patrons were in a separate room on the top level). We also sang “Happy Birthday” a couple times to restaurant patrons.

The Harmo family had fun too.  We got their early to benefit from the happy hour prices.  The food was good and the wait staff managed the crunch well and with smiles!

Some guys (for sure Chuck McKeever and Alan Wile who parked at Durant) took the free trolley from King St. Metro down to Union and King.  Alan was carrying his usual plastic container for collecting donations – and a young girl on the trolley asked her mom if she could put in a donation!

Tuesday nite, April 11^th was a hard working musical nite.  Riser crew and all the usual set up tasks were done.  Associate director Tony Colosimo did the tag sing at 6:50 pm and then he lead the warm up period too.  Director Joe Cerutti thanked Randall Eliason for his yeomen service on the Spring2ACTion event; and then went right to work on music and took the basses to another room to work on their major parts of “Roll Jordan Roll.”

During the nite there was work on the contest songs for Southern Division, a very thorough introduction of the form of one of the contest ballads we are learning for Harmony University, and work on the “Chicago” medley.

Before break there were breakout sessions for operations teams; then we regrouped for the chapter meeting period conducted by executive director Terry Reynolds.

Our a cappella group TBD was out for the part of the nite on a gig representing the chapter.

Joe and Terry stressed the importance of guys attending the community sing in DC on April 19^th with Dr. Barnwell, and the sing with Alfred Street Baptist Men’s choir in Old Town on April 26th – even if you have to miss the Tues nite before it.  Tho there will be solid work on our music on both of those Tuesday nites with Joe.

Education director Vickie Dennis spoke about ways members can assist at our Youth Harmony Festival April 22^nd at Durant.  First of all – the chorus will sing three songs that eve. But also Vickie had signup sheets posted on the wall for guys to sign up to assist during some time slots, and signup sheets on things to contribute like sodas and snacks. Medalist quartet SIGNATURE will assist with the boys chorus and appear on the show, and CLASS RING from SAI will assist with the girls chorus.

Then Joe announced a late breaking chorus opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in Sept.  He wants a full chorus to attend and noted that it is the Sunday evening after we sing at M-AD contest in Reading PA. The same sponsors as before from Japan invited us to appear on this 9-11Tribute concert.  Stay tuned for details and be ready to respond that you can make the trip.

The 50/50 team of Walt Page and Alan Wile worked hard and there were lots of goodies to share at break, including some yummy fudge from Steve and Robyn Murane.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Mar. 31^st M-AD International Prelims and April 4^th Chapter Meeting

Several Harmonizers had a busy weekend in Reading PA, at the M-AD International Prelims Quartet contest where quartets can try to qualify to compete at the contest this summer in Vegas.  We did not have any contenders in the pack this year, but Bill Colosimo sang in SERENDIPITY and won the district Mixed Quartet contest with Sheryl Berlin, Anne Bureau and Ig Jakovac.  Both men have been district presidents and both women are chorus directors.  Their quartet will be in the mix to see which USA mixed quartet scores the most points and will get to compete in Germany next year.  Congrats to Bill.

There were a number of former Harmonizers in quartets and a long list of members working at the contest, helping with District administration, or there to cheer and support quartets and the many youth groups who sang in a youth adjudication event on Saturday afternoon.

Rick Taylor and Dennis Ritchey were emcees for contest events. Rick represented the Harmony Foundation at the convention. Dennis is also the current district president.  His executive vp is Bob Eckman.  His secretary is Keith Jones. Mike Kelly is on the district events team and did the photography and recording for contestants too.  The Pretzel City Chorus in Reading was host chapter. Our president Randall Eliason was our official delegate at the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday morning and headed up a large delegation of our leaders at that meeting.  Alan Wile was busy all weekend gathering collections for the M-AD Endowment fund which included his giving away LB records in exchange for donations.

The contest was a good one and M-AD will send six quartets to Vegas: PRATT STREET POWER, ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT, FORECAST, FRANK THE DOG, ROUTE 1 and GIMME FOUR.

Also this past weekend, other Harmonizers were busy too. Our 13-member a cappella group TBD held a retreat at Assateague near the shore. Tony Colosimo was there to coach them.

Tony and Andrew Havens, Joe Sawyer and Ricky Savage sang as a quartet and represented the chapter at this year’s University of Maryland invitational men’s sing on Saturday nite.  Great to keep up that tradition.

Tuesday nite April 4^th, was a hard working session again at Durant. Associate director Tony Colosimo was there for a tag sing at 6:50 and a large group of guys joined in the fun.

This week we were back on the risers for warm up with Tony and then with director Joe Cerutti for work on our new spiritual songs, a review of songs for Spring2ACTion, and then after break work on the “Chicago Medley.”

It was great to have Bob Wells back with us after his hip replacement (looking good Bob); and Kris Zinkievich back after a busy school concert season.  We will see some of Kris’s family members at the Youth Harmony Festival again.

Alan Wile and Walter Page worked as a team to build up participation in the 50/50 effort. This week it yielded a good sum to the winner and to the M-AD Endowment Fund.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting. He reminded guys to sign up for the two new events this month – the community sing with Dr. Barnwell on April 19^th, and the join sing with the Alfred Street Baptist men’s choir on Wed, April 26^th.

Tim Cash gave a plug for the Fairfax Show this weekend, featuring a quartet from his former chapter in Mammoth Cave, KY, called the GUYER BOYS (a dad and his triplet sons).

President Randall Eliason reported all the latest developments regarding the chapter’s involvement in Spring2ACTion on Wed, April 5^th.  He explained two giving points – anytime all day, and then another chance between 3-4 pm to see if we could rack up the most donors in one power hour.  He explained how to do that.  Here is the link:

https://spring2action.razoo.com/story/Alexandria-Harmonizers

He also suggested members use social media to promote our efforts. 

And he relayed the details for the sing at Virtue Feed and Grain at 106 Union St, about 6 pm (come when you can if not at 6). He suggested taking the free trolley from the King Street Metro down King Street to Union Street. We will be in the room upstairs. Wear jeans and the black camp casual shirt.

AH, Inc. Chapter president Liz Birnbaum spoke briefly about the importance of this fund raising effort and encouraged guys to believe in our brand and our product in order to gain confidence in asking for donations from supporters.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal to Andrew Havens for 8 years, and a renewal and lapel pin to Dennis Ritchey (our district president too) for 25 years.

Terry announced that the membership team would meet during break on the risers, and the shows team would meet on the stage.  Next week, all leadership operations teams will meet.

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed a bunch of guests including barbershop singers from the Vocal Majority and the Ambassadors of Harmony.

Thanks to those who brought in goodies to share at break! And for the donations in the kitty that helps keep the supplies coming.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the March 25^th ACA Challenge Event

The Harmonizers hosted its fourth ACA Challenge at Lincoln Theater on U Street in DC (This theater was once part of Black Broadway and is a landmark.) on Saturday, March 25^th at 8 pm. We had another record year of ticket sales (0ver 750 sold) and another year of audience participation

 

The chapter invited northeast area a cappella groups to audition – many submitted materials and 6 were chosen to compete. The competitors this year were

• Blackout from NYC;
• Backtrack from NYC;
• Polaeris from DC:
• UMD Faux Paz;
• The JMU BluesTones; and
• CMU Originals.

The chapter offered a $1000 first prize, $500 for second, $250 for third, and $100 for all others.  Judges for the event were Catherine Lewis, musical arts writer; Josh Ehrlich, Voices of Gotham arranger; and Mike Rowan, Chorus America Member Services Director. Also the audience was invited to vote via text during the contest for their favorite.

 

First place winner was Backtrack.  They received their “big” check presented by last year’s winners All Natural. Second place was BluesTones and third place was Blackout. Emcee for the night was Tony Colosimo.

 

Event producer Reed Livergood offered these post show comments: The complete list of volunteers who were helpful in making the 2017 ACA Challenge a success is long, but a sincere thank you  to everyone who helped in some capacity. I would like to extend a special thank you to the judges and Tony as our emcee, and the Lincoln Theater staff. Also our production crew of Nick Leiserson, associate producer; Todd Ryktarsyk, associate producer; Scipio Garling, talent scout plus communications; Robyn Murane , house manager; and all the wonderful volunteers who helped her; Greg Tepe, stage manager; Mike Kelly, technical coordinator; Ken Rub and Clark Chesser, Harmonizer venues; Terry Reynolds, Harmo executive director; John Roots, audience voting manager; and the hard working riser crews.

 

The song package for the chorus (“All You Need Is Love,” “Summertime,” and “Rock My Soul”) was a huge success with this mostly young a cappella-fan-crowd that filled the auditorium and balcony.

 

 The audience also cheered wildly for our own modern a cappella group – TBD – with their mics and enlarged group. The singers are Scipio Garling, Noah Van Gilder, Jeremy Richardson, Josh Roots, Nick Leiserson, Terry Reynolds, Kellen Herz, Troy Hillier, Todd Ryktarsyk, Joshua Desportes, Clark Chesser and Jeff Burkey. Reed Livergood is the musical leader of the group.

 

 

The chorus assembled about 4 pm and did warm ups in the lobby with assistant director Terry Reynolds.  Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer got the chorus onto the stage for mic test time and associate director Tony did parts of each song. Greg Tepe coordinated the show finale with all contestants.

 

At 5:30 we were dismissed to get dinner.  The weather was nice and many ate at outdoor spots. Chorus members reassembled in the parking lot to visit, prep for the Put Together Contest, and sing tags.  Then at 7:45 director Joe Cerutti took us to the Walker Memorial Baptist Church around the corner on 13^th for a concentrated practice time.  Our uniform was the black suit, hidden button white shirt, black tie, dress black shoes, black sox and belt.

 

There was a fun and successful afterglow across the street from the theater. 

 

Chapter director for volunteers, Robyn Murane send this thank you note to the many volunteers who helped make this year’s ACA Challenge a success.  “Saturday night we had an amazing group of 20 or more volunteers at the show, supporting TBD and the Harmonizers!

Sam McFarland, Ninamarie Maragioglio, Jerri White and Keith Jones worked with our contestants and judges, and helped Greg Tepe backstage.

 

Christina Ammerman led the ticket team redeeming Groupon coupons: Saundra Deltac, Charity Struthers, Aideen Mannion, Kristen Colby, Ellen Dellert and Carol Dangel.

 

Carol and Ellen did double duty selling CDs at intermission and after the show.

 

Joe Sr. and Janet Cerutti kept the traffic moving through the lobby guiding patrons to the theater.

 

Our ushers Naida Harrington, Rebecca Connor, Krissy Folsom, Carlos Correa, Kitty Fedarko, Lydia Golden and first timer Jessica Barnovsky helped patrons find their seats and monitored the doors during the competition.

 

Thanks to Don Harrington for reporter duties for YeEd for this event.

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 68^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

 

Looking Back on the Mar. 28^th Chapter Meeting and Put Together Contest for 2017

Many men were early this week and you could find quartets warming up for the Put Together Quartet contest all over the Durant building.

The tag singers assembled at 6:50 with associate director Tony Colosimo.

Then at 7 pm, Tony formed the chorus in a ring and we worked on all of our music after he did the vocal warm ups.  He changed the circle order several times getting us in parts or sections. We also worked on some music we will sing at the Spring2ACTion on April 5. 

Tony was covering for director Joe who was out of the country.  Tony spoke about one of our new contest songs and played the learning track for us to enjoy.  This is the first of two ballads and two uptunes we will be learning for our trip to Harmony University.  The first one introduced is “I’m Here” from The Glorious Ones.  It was arranged by Theo Hicks and the learning track done by Drew Wheaton.

Tony also spoke enthusiastically about behind the scenes work with Dr. Barnwell and Ms. Garrett for several events coming up in April where we will be part of a community sing organized by Dr. Barnwell April 19th, and then a singing meeting with Alfred Street Baptist Men’s Choir April 26^th at their church in Old Town.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds thanked Reed Livergood for his leadership on the Aca Challenge this past weekend in DC.   And Terry reminded everyone to be on tap for the Youth Harmony event April 22 at Durant.  We will sing that evening too.

President Randall Eliason reported that Bob Wells is recovering after his hip replacement, that Vince Cazenas is on the mend after a heart episode, and that donations in honor of Chuck Harmer have earned him a Keep A Melody Ringing plaque at Harmony Hall in Nashville.

Then Randall gave an important update or run down on plans for Spring2ACTion on April 5^th including our party and sing and fundraiser event at Virtue Feed and Grain in Old Town.  Watch for his further instructions via email.

He also reminded guys of the Friday midnite deadline to sign up for HU.  And that if anyone needed financial aid, to speak to him.

Finally Randall announced the order of singing for the quartet contest to begin right after break.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Dave Branstetter for 12 years, Chris Huber for 25 years, Sam McFarland for 30 years; and Derrick Smith got his new member packet.  Huber and McFarland also got their lapel pins. 

After break we held our Put Together Quartet contest. Rick Payton and Randall Eliason were coordinators.  There were 12 entries including one quartet from the Frederick chapter (all chapters in the area were invited to send contestants). Will Cox was emcee.  Mike Kelly did the sound.  Tom Kern did the photos. Judges were all M-AD officials – Shawn Tallant, Keith Jones, Alan Wile and Bob Eckman.  Contest score keepers were Jack Pitzer and Chris Buechler.  There were first – third place trophies for comedy or regular contestants.

First place regular quartet was BUTTER FUN with Garling, Van Gilder, Berkey and Reynolds. Second place was LOW TIDE with Hertz, Barnovsky, Golden and Huber. Third place was EVIDENCE OF COLLUSION with Miller, Simoneau, Golden and Derrick Smith.

First place comedy quartet was HAWAII 4-0 with Kousen, T. Colosimo, Szyszka and Murane. Second place was BRIANS’ RULE with Miller, Ammerman, Golden and Quick. Third place was ORANGE CRUSH with Ammerman, Eliason, Rub and Chesser.

Joel Golden gets the unannounced George Azzam Award for singing in the most quartets.

Will Cox finished up the fun evening and conducted us in “Keep The Whole World Singing.”

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Mar. 21st Chapter Meeting

All the chapter members arrived at Durant anticipating a very special nite (and found a different arrangement of chairs facing the lobby wall in the big hall).

The tag singers assembled at 6:50 with associate director Tony Colosimo.

Then at 7 pm, director Joe Cerutti introduced us to our special guest for the nite, Dr. Ysaye Barnwell.  She is an established nationwide musical leader in gospel circles and community singing events,   Her enthusiasm for a large group of men who love singing was infectious!! We sang our new gospel songs for her and a couple of our barbershop ballads too.

After some brief remarks about the roots of gospel music and a working definition, she taught us four great new songs along with some new rhythms.  After break, we were also joined by the musical director of Alfred Street Baptist Gospel choir in Old Town Alexandria.  Joe conducted a question and answer period with the members and Dr. Barnwell. It was a lively discussion.  She taught us another song and we sang more for her before we had to end the fun for the nite.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds reminded members of the call time for the ACA Challenge this weekend at Lincoln Theater. He reminded us to mark calendars for the Youth Festival on April 22 – chorus will sing that nite. He reported that a good number of men are signed up for Harmony University, tho it is still possible to register for our chorus group (contact Craig Kujawa if you need info.) If a member needs some financial assistance, contact president Randall Eliason.

Terry also announced the firm decision that the chapter will not go to Russia BUT that we will be singing at Southern Division in Reston, May 27^th.  Mark your calendars.

As a reminder, the Put Together Quartet contest is next Tues. nite.  We will sing some at the usual start time, and then break for the contest!!!

President Randall spoke and updated us on the Spring2ACTion events including the April 5^th evening social gathering at Virtue Feed and Grain.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a 45-year lapel pin and membership renewal card to Chuck Hunter, Jr.  Congrats.

Rich Hewitt welcomed our singer guests.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 69^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Mar. 14^th Chapter Meeting and Weekend Ceremonies

Two events this past weekend to report.

First was the retirement event on Fri. Mar. 10^th for Commander Rusty Orvik.  There were 22 singers present and assistant director Terry Reynolds was our conductor.  We opened the ceremony by singing the National Anthem when his boys (in their Scout uniforms) posted the flag. We helped Rusty sing a tribute to his wife Jennifer joining him to sing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” We sang happy birthday to Rusty and a friend during the cake cutting, and a wrap up for the ceremony which Rusty came and sang with us – “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Rusty completed 24 years of service in the Navy.  The ceremony was at 2pm at the Naval Support Facility in Arlington. A reception followed the events.

Our second weekend event was the memorial service for long-time Harmonizer Chuck Harner Sat. March 11, 2017, at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church. The church was packed with friends and lots of barbershoppers including many former Harmonizer family folks, some district leaders and members of DELSUSQEUHUDMAC, and members from other chapters and leaders from the Harmony Foundation board. We sang “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I’ll Walk With God” and joined the Harmony Heritage Singers on “Amazing Grace.”  Terry Reynolds was director for the Harmonizers.  Drew Fuller directed the HHS. In addition to family, BHS executive vice president Dick Powell and HHS president Mike Everard gave memorial tributes. A reception followed the service. Donations are suggested to Harmony Foundation International, Inc., 110 Seventh St. Ste. 200, Nashville, TN 37203.  Mention you wish your contribution to honor Chuck as part of the Keep A Melody Ringing program.

Tuesday March 14^th was a busy one starting with tag singing at 6:50 pm.

Director Joe Cerutti did the vocal warm ups and taught us a tag (and provided tips on how to learn a tag being taught). We worked on our gospel songs first half of the nite. Joe told us more about Dr. Barnwell who will be with us next Tuesday nite to help us capture the spirit of the gospel songs and the fun of singing in general. Joe invited us all to attend one of her community singing events on April 19^th.

On Wed. April 5^th the chapter will go to Virtue Feed and Grain in Old Town as part of the Spring2Action event.  We will have our own room and sing off and on all eve for their patrons (it has been a popular stop on our annual pub sing during the holidays). We practiced “America” to sing that nite.

Executive director Terry Reynolds congratulated Rusty Orvik and thanked all who were there to sing.  Terry also reported on the service for Chuck Harner.

Call time for ACA Challenge is now 4 pm. There will be break for dinner. See the announcements emailed to all.  Dress is black suite with narrow black tie.

Latest details for the Put Together Quartet contest on March 28^th: meeting will start at 7 pm for some chorus work and transition into the quartet contest later in the eve depending on how many quartets sign up.

Harmo Youth Festival is coming up on Sat. April 22^nd  at Durant.  The chorus will sing that evening for the students and music educator. 

Joe spoke to all about the need to sign up for Harmony University (the chorus school portion).

The question about going to Russia was presented to all attendees and men raised their hand to indicate if they would or would not go on the trip if chapter leaders decided we should. Because of the bad weather and somewhat-lower-that-usual attendance, an email request was issued to all.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Adam Afifi for 2 years, Chris Odell for 8 years; Noah Van Gilder for 10 years; and Joel Golden for 12 years.

After the break, the chorus worked on the “Chicago” medley.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 68^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd